Strictly’s Tony Adams admits that he ‘broke down’ after his rocky first live show

Tony Adams has revealed that he ‘broke down’ following his first performance on Strictly this year, which saw him at the bottom of the leaderboard.

The football ace, 55, who has been sober of alcohol and drugs for 26 years following a battle with addiction, described it as a ‘miracle’ that he didn’t head to the pub to ‘drown my sorrows’.

But despite the rocky start, he and partner Katya Jones appear to have won the affections of the public after a full monty inspired dance last week and a succesful American Smooth on Saturday’s show.

‘It’s a miracle I didn’t run to the pub and drown all that sorrow’: Strictly’s Tony Adams has admitted that he ‘broke down’ after his rocky first live show (pictured during the performance)

Tony previously told MailOnline that he was taking part in the competition to show that you can ‘do anything when you’re free of drink and drugs’, sharing his inspioring story.

And talking to The Sun last week, the dancer-in-training admitted his struggles during the competition – recalling ‘breaking down’ after his first performance, which saw him score 15 out of 30 points from the judges.

 He shared: ‘When that first dance went the way it did, in the car home, I’m going, “This is tough, what am I doing?”‘

Tough: And talking to The Sun last week, the dancer-in-training admitted his struggles during the competition – recalling ‘breaking down’ after his first performance, which saw him score 15 out of 30 points from the judges

Questioning: He shared: ‘When that first dance went the way it did, in the car home, I’m going, “This is tough, what am I doing?”‘

‘It’s a miracle I didn’t run to the pub and drown all that sorrow. It was painful. I’ve cried a lot, but it was all right. You come out the other side,’ he explained.

Tony went on to detail his personal growth during the show, praising partner Katya for pushing him and ‘showing me how strong I am’.

Adding that he finds the criticism from the show’s judges tough, Katya said: ‘Tony requires about 200 per cent praise, which is not possible in this very intense learning process.’

Despite the emotional first week, Tony was inundaded with support from fans last week as he stripped to just his shorts on the dacefloor during a Full Monty routine.

Bringing it back: On Saturday, he and Katya Jones impressed the judges after they danced the American Smooth

Support: During the show, fellow footballer David Seaman was seen making a surprise appearance during rehearsals to support his pal

And finally winning over judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse, this Saturday’s performance saw him walk away with an impressive 26 out of 30 points. 

Craig Revel Horwood said: ‘Better,’ having only awarded two points last week with Motsi adding, ‘You guys were brilliant, well done.’

He was left thrilled over the judges positive feedback following his and Katya‘s impressive American Smooth routine  to With A Little Help From My Friends by Joe Cocker. 

But host Claudia Winkleman was forced to apologise on Saturday night after the former footballer accidentally swore live on air.

Tony appeared to get a little carried away as he let slip a swear word, with presenter Claudia quick to say sorry to fans over the ‘fruity language’ used.

Over the moon: Tony was blown away by the comments as he and katya recieved their highest score yet, bagging 26 points

Sportsman: The former footballer rose to fame playing for Arsenal and England, before coaching both teams – before turning his hand to charity work and addiction help

 As Claudia addressed his error as he joined her upstairs for his scores, the Arsenal legend remarked: ‘Oh I’m sorry!’ when he realised what he’d done, adding that he was so excited by his comments.

He previously opened up about his battle with addiction before heading on the show, telling MailOnline: ‘I’m 26 years without a drink or drugs, so I want to bring some mental health awareness around life and what I do today. 

‘I run a business and charities, and we use dance therapy at rehab – It’s good for the mind so I thought I’ll go for it.’

 While he has been sober for almost three decades, Tony also candidly spoke up about a new addiction to work that he suffered when he was 49.

He shared: ‘I had a mental breakdown when I was 49, my new addiction was working too hard and with the stress I had a heart condition. So I decided to take things a bit easier – after Strictly. 

‘You can do anything when you’re free of addiction, that’s my message I want to give out,’ concluded the budding dancer.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

KYM MARSH

Age: 46

Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter

Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’

ELLIE SIMMONDS 

Age: 27

Profession: Former athlete 

Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’

TYLER WEST 

Age: 26

Profession: Radio DJ

Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’

ELLIE TAYLOR

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Age: 38

Profession: Comedian

Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’

TONY ADAMS MBE 

Age: 55 

Profession: Retired footballer and manager

Tony says:  ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’

JAMES BYE

Age: 38

Profession: EastEnders actor

James says ‘I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.’

WILL MELLOR

Age: 46

Profession: Actor

Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’

 JAYDE ADAMS

Age: 37

Profession: Comedian

Jayde says: ‘I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this.’

MATT GOSS

Age: 53

Profession: Singer

Matt says: ‘I’ve been reclusive, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought, it’s time for me to come home and get out of my own way’

 MOLLY RAINFORD

 Age: 21

Profession: Singer 

Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’

FLEUR EAST

Age: 34 

Profession: Singer

Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’

 HAMZA YASSIN

Age: 35

Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter

Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’

HELEN SKELTON

Age: 39

Profession: TV and radio broadcaster

Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’

 

 

 

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